Hamas Expresses Readiness For Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Hamas has announced its readiness to begin immediate negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire based on a U.S.-backed proposal, prompting Israel to consider its next move.
The Israeli security cabinet is expected to meet after the Jewish sabbath to decide on a response, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled trip to Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, said, “That’s good. They haven’t briefed me on it. We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza.”
Hamas said Friday night that it was prepared for “immediate and serious” negotiations to implement the terms of the truce proposal, following consultations with other Palestinian factions.
Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, also supported talks but demanded assurances that Israel would not resume attacks once hostages are freed.
The latest U.S.-sponsored plan includes a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release half of the remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Around 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 believed dead.
The war, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,219 people, has led to a prolonged Israeli offensive. Gaza’s health ministry says at least 57,268 people have been killed so far.
On Saturday alone, Gaza’s civil defence reported 32 deaths, including eight people killed in strikes on two schools in Gaza City.
The Israeli military said it could not comment on specific strikes without exact coordinates.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel, has led food distributions since May, though its efforts have drawn criticism and violent resistance.
Two American GHF staff were reportedly injured in a grenade attack during food distribution in Khan Yunis on Saturday.
UN agencies have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns over impartiality. Over 500 people have reportedly been killed while queuing for food at GHF centres, according to the UN human rights office.
Despite the controversy, GHF chairman Johnnie Moore insisted the organisation would continue its work, “We will not be shut down… Our job is to provide free food to the people of Gaza.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
